Other States - Puducherry   

Puducherry can become favoured tourism destination: CII chief

Special Correspondent

"Infrastructure development immediate requirement"

INTERFACE: Sudhir Sahi, UNDP National Consultant for Tourism, New Delhi, addressing the opening day programme of "industry-institute interface," organised by the Department of Tourism Studies at Pondicherry University in Puducherry on Saturday.

Puducherry: Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Puducherry P. Sekhar has said that Puducherry can emerge as a "favoured tourism destination".

Inaugurating a two-day annual `industry-institute interface' (Akanksha 2007) organised by the Department of Tourism Studies at Pondicherry University on Saturday, he said the CII had already presented an agenda to the administration highlighting the opportunities to promote tourism.

The CII would play a proactive role to associate itself with the efforts of the Department of Tourism. There was a surging demand for accommodation as could be seen the flow of weekend tourists. Mr. Sekhar said a four-lane road from East Coast Road should be developed and the airport here upgraded. He termed the phased development of the port as another step in the right direction.

Once these facilities were available, Puducherry would see a boost in its economy and industrial climate.

The sprawling Oussudu Lake was attracting a good number of tourists. Medical tourism could be promoted here what with availability of a number of hospitals. Mr. Sekhar said that CII was conducting several training programmes in tourism related activities.

The National Consultant of the United Nations Development Programme on Tourism, New Delhi, Sudhir Sahi said that tourists were welcome guests and the tourism industry proved its significance in generating direct and indirect employment.

He said in 2002-2003, about 38 million people were employed directly and indirectly in the sector. The new policy gave thrust to rural tourism.

Tourism was holding the key to promoting rural-based arts and crafts segments. Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of the university S. Kuppuswami said the Department of Tourism Studies established a record now with all its students getting 100 per cent placement. Head of the Department of Tourism Studies G. Anjaneyaswamy said the department would start a Ph. D course in tourism during the next academic year (2007-2008).

The coordinator of the programme Babu P. George and Dean of School of Management R. Panneerselvam also spoke. Student coordinator M.S. Raghul proposed a vote of thanks.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Puducherry can become favoured tourism destination: CII chief
CPI (M) to picket Government offices on Monday
PMK choice for nominated legislator
Government urged to shift port project
Separate database for natural calamities being created: official

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu